Press Releases 2014

Montreal, June 20, 2014 - Metro is continuing its efforts to promote and feature Quebec products and this summer offers you an exclusive selection of four new Quebec artisanal cheeses certified Aliments du Québec: Coulée douce, Tête dure, Mine d’or and Bleu perle. Firm and tasty, marbled or creamy, there’s something for everyone! These four new items were specifically created for Metro store customers all over Quebec. They are the work of two Quebec cheesemakers: Fromagerie Fritz Kaiser located in the Montérégie and Fromagerie L’Oiseau Bleu in Asbestos.

Coulée douce Made from 100% pasteurized cow’s milk and cream by Fromagerie Fritz Kaiser, Coulée Douce is a soft, bloomy rind cheese. It has a tender, velvety texture with a fresh mushroom and nutty flavour. Coulée douce goes perfectly with light, refreshing beers as well as with aromatic and round wines. Served on a plate or in sandwiches, you can enjoy it with crusty bread, together with fruits and nuts.

Tête dure Tête dure is a semi-firm, washed-rind cheese that distinguishes itself through its mild, milky and fruity aroma combined with a nutty and salted butter flavour. Served with a bold and tasty beer or with fruity and generous wines, Tête dure can be enjoyed in salads, raclettes and au gratin dishes. It is also made by Fromagerie Fritz Kaiser.

“We’re proud that a major food retailer like Metro has chosen to showcase our cheeses. As an artisan, I can’t help but be delighted to see that my products are getting such great exposure”, said Mr. Fritz Kaiser, owner of Fromagerie Fritz Kaiser.

Mine d’or A firm, washed-rind cheese, Mine d’or, from Fromagerie L’Oiseau Bleu, is made from 100% cow’s milk and has a buttery flavour with slightly woody notes. It’s ideal with full-bodied, hoppy beer as well as with a fruity and generous wine.

Bleu perle Made from 100% cow’s milk, Bleu perle is a soft cheese with light blue marbling and a bloomy rind. To appreciate its fresh creamy flavour and its light woody and spicy finish reminiscent of blue cheese, it is recommended to serve it with light, refreshing beers or with fruity and sweet wines. It is made by Fromagerie L’Oiseau Bleu.

“I’m happy about teaming up with Metro to broaden the distribution of my two latest creations. Thanks to Metro, I can now show off my passion and my products to a wide-ranging clientele all over Quebec. This agreement with Metro allows me to increase my production volume and to continue developing my new business”, said Mr. Jean-Jacques Turgeon, owner of la Fromagerie L’Oiseau Bleu.

“Local cheeses, and particularly artisanal cheeses, are being sought out more and more by Quebec consumers, and with good reason. The knowhow of cheesemakers like Fritz Kaiser and L’Oiseau Bleu, is reflected in the exceptional quality of the products that they offer. We’re proud to provide our clientele with an exclusive opportunity this summer to discover these four new items, available exclusively at Metro!, commented Marie-Claude Bacon, Senior Director, Corporate Affairs and Corporate Responsibility with Metro.

On May 1st, 2013, Metro launched its Local Purchasing Policy, aimed at optimizing the accessibility and promotion of local products. The Policy, which is in keeping with Metro's overall Corporate Responsibility approach, rests on three guiding principles and is intended to make Metro a prime showcase for regional products; a privileged partner of Aliments du Québec; the main ally of innovative Quebec suppliers. You can view the Local Purchasing Policy at metro.ca.

Quebec artisanal cheeses can be purchased in Metro and Metro Plus stores, subject to availability.

About Fromagerie Fritz Kaiser Founded in 1981 by Mr. Fritz Kaiser and located in Noyan in the Montérégie, the cheese dairy specializes in washed, bloomy and mixed rind cheeses. Over the past few years, the dairy has garnered several awards, including Grand Champion of the 4th edition of the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix in 2004 for the Douanier. It has approximately 15 employees.

About Fromagerie L’Oiseau Bleu Located in Asbestos in the Eastern Townships, Fromagerie L’Oiseau Bleu has been developing and marketing its specialties since November of 2013 under the direction of its owner, Jean-Jacques Turgeon. It has approximately 15 employees.

Metro Inc. With annual sales of over $11 billion, METRO INC. (TSX: MRU), founded in 1947, is the only major Canadian food distribution company to have its head office in Quebec. Along with its affiliates and franchisees, METRO INC. employs in Quebec and Ontario over 65,000 people, whose mission is to satisfy their customers every day and earn their-long term loyalty. METRO INC. operates a network of almost 600 food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Food Basics, as well as over 250 drugstores under the Brunet, The Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners.